Abstract
This paper examines the phenomenon of the anti-globalization New Left in Canada, and explains their ideology, motivation, and relationship with the Old Left, such as organized labor. It describes that the New Left believes the Canadian political system weakens minor parties and makes parliamentary action useless. The paper describes why the New Left will have difficultly achieving power.

From the Paper
"The "new left" is a distinct kind of interest group, a sub-set of standard interest groups referred to as social movements. Their organizational structure and preferred mode of political action, namely, the mobilization of non-governmental groups to attempt to influence public opinion via protests against corporations and agents of international economic globalization, is an expression of the core element of their ideology; that governments are impotent in the face of capitalist economic globalization. More specifically, they believe the Canadian political system with its limited role for democracy, the declining influence of Parliament, strong party system and the systemic way it weakens minor parties makes parliamentary action useless. For the NDP, notwithstanding its need for new support, has have been unable to incorporate the "new left" into its traditional bases of support because of nature of mass party structures. This incompatibility is detrimental to both sides; the methods of the "new left" to not appear conducive to success, and the traditional support for the NDP is continuing to weaken."

Tags:anti, globalization, movement, politics, pressure, social, canada, left, organized, labour

Abstract
This paper discusses the different institutions of Canada's Westminster Model of Government and how these institutions interact. The strengths and weaknesses of each institution, and the Westminster model as a whole, are discussed. The author also compares the Westminster model as it is used in the UK, to the model that has been adopted in Canada.

There is a bibliography, but no footnotes, or endnotes.

From the Paper
"The institutions of Canada's Westminster include a dual executive, consisting of the Prime Minister and his/her Cabinet. The legislature is comprised of two houses, the upper house being the appointed senate, and the lower house being the elected House of Commons. Canada's Westminster uses a Single Member Plurality electoral system, in which each constituency receives one seat in the House of Commons, and victory is achieved by a one vote lead. Canada's Judiciary is made up of a series of courts, with the Supreme Court reigning as the highest in the land."

Tags:bicameralism, canada, democracy, government, parliament, uk, westminster, executive, legislature, electorial, judiciary, houses, senate, commons, charter, canada, federalism, confidence, rules

Abstract
This paper outlines the history of Canadian narcotics legislation as it pertains to marijuana. It then outlines arguments both for and against legalization or decriminalization while assessing the harm or good that this could cause.

Introduction
Marijuana A Brief History
The Plant in Canada
Drug Laws
An Examination of Proposed Changes to Canadian Marijuana Laws
Pros And Cons
Decriminalization
Legalization
Maintaining the Status Quo
Legalization or Decriminalization? Personal Reflections
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"There has been much talk and speculation as of late that Canada is ready to change its marijuana policy. Following the lead of such countries as Spain and England, it appears that Canada has been seriously considering either decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana possession. There are many arguments against and for such a move. Many against a change to marijuana policy feel that undertaking such a step would lead to increased usage, especially among young people. Those in favor feel that changing marijuana policy is a timely idea that will actually lead to decreased usage: marijuana could be treated as a public health issue as opposed to a criminal act, thereby allowing the government to set up health education programs in an attempt to deter its use. This approach has worked for tobacco and alcohol. This paper is going to look at the pros and the cons of a change in Canadian law in terms of its effect on organized crime. The nature and structure of the Canadian marijuana trade will be examined in order to see what benefits, if any a decriminalization or legalization move would provide. Before this can be done, the current drug law must be examined as it pertains to marijuana."

Tags:pot, weed, crime, narcotics, drug, law

Abstract
This paper examines the current Canadian Senate and how it is a useless and outdated institution in dire need of reform. It demonstrates how the Senate as it currently exists, is a waste of money, serves only a symbolic role and goes against the principles of democracy. It evaluates how the Senate, if reformed, could alleviate the political tensions that exist between the federal government and their provincial counterparts, through provincial equality within the Upper House. It also looks at the increased legitimacy the Upper House would enjoy, if the Senate undertook a more active role in the Canadian legislative process and abandoned the appointment system.

From the Paper
"Ontario and Quebec combine to account for 62% of the Canadian population4. Both Western and Atlantic Canada feel that the House of Commons is the place where representation by population should be exercised, not in the Upper House, "The Senate should serve as a stronger voice, in federal decision making, for the less populated provinces"5. The Central Canadian rule in the House of Commons is properly justified. Ontario and Quebec control 174 out of the 295 seats in the Canadian legislature, which happens to be only 59% of the seats6. Despite the fact that the House of Commons occupation by Central Canada is proportionately less than their occupation of the Canadian population, although insignificantly, the bordering regions of Canada do not feel that they are properly represented in Ottawa."

Tags:parliament, upper, house, provincial, equality

Abstract
This paper refers to concepts of proportional representation, regional representation and asymmetrical federalism in reference to the status of Quebec in Canada. It calls for a reformed and strengthened Canadian Senate to promote provincial interests within the federal system.

From the Paper
"Still, in the current Canadian political context, the Senate does serve some functions. However, the potential exists to expand its role and structure to serve a more active role in the Canadian political system. Specifically, the Senate ought to be reformed and strengthened to promote provincial interests within the federal system. Existing models and concepts of Senate reform will be critically evaluated before a model is presented which will attempt to rectify existing problems, as well as to avoid potential failings which critics of Senate reform often predict."

Tags:asymmetrical, constitution, federalism, proportional, representation, canada, political, system, provincial, regional, reform

Abstract
This paper represents an attempt to identify the Canadian Judiciary's ability to balance the interests of the public and private sphere's according to changing social and political attitudes, as well as an evaluation of internal characteristics of the judiciary and how they necessarily effect this balance.

From the Paper
"Without question the judiciary's role in protecting individual liberties is valuable, however there are certain elements involved in the judicial process that have made its role highly controversial. The undemocratic nature of the judiciary calls into question its merit in handing down "activist" decisions that see the judiciary competing with legislatures to form the laws of Canada. Similarly, the its undemocratic, unrepresentative nature creates suspicion as to whether the judiciary is interested in protecting the rights of the common man which is the underlying purpose of the Charter. Perhaps of greatest concern is the tremendous scope of interpretive power the legislature commonly leaves to the judiciary, through the formation of unspecific, inconclusive legislation."

Tags:canada, constitutional, judiciary, law, liberties, Mill, hierarchy, supreme, court, privileges, responsibilities, obligations, private, public, rights, sphere, charter, theory

Abstract
This paper examines how, since the 1980s, the idea of Aboriginal sovereignty has been a subject of growing debate in Canada and how centrally at issue is the dispute over Aboriginal rights. It discusses how there is a contrast between traditional Aboriginal values and those of modern-day society and how within Canada there exists a prevailing tension between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals on many levels. It analyzes how the government is in need of serious revision and why some Canadians feel that the only solution to the crisis the Aboriginal peoples presently find themselves in is some form of Aboriginal sovereignty. It shows how these Canadians believe that the best way to address the crisis is to have First Nations peoples control their own destiny through self-determination in order to confront current challenges successfully and ultimately lead to a greater state of well-being for its peoples.

From the Paper
"In addition to the Indian Act, which was subsequently amended multiple times, other influential policy documents were developed including the Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian Policy (1969), also known as the White Paper and Citizens Plus (1970) which "presents a counter-policy written by the Union of Alberta Indians, a treaty Indian group, in reaction to the federal document" (41) and called for Aboriginal self-determination. The White Paper's aim "was to outline a strategy that would integrate Indian peoples into mainstream society" (43). Conversely, "The guiding principles for economic development, proposed in Citizens Plus, suggest a reliance on a combination of government assistance and private enterprise [in order to] make reserve communities into centers of profitable and productive private industry" (49)."

Tags:first, nations, government, genocide, culture, religion

Abstract
A paper that shows that in a world of expanding business and human mobility there is an increasing prevalence of corporations extending internationally, resulting in many political and social implications. The author finds that although conventionally, one would join a lobby firm in order to influence government policy through bureaucratic channels; in light of growing corporate globalization, one can argue that these conventional channels are no longer able to reflect the demands and interests of the general population. He finds that although lobby firms possess substantial resources in lobbying government, it is in the flexible structure of informal grassroots organizations that people will be able to influence policy in a globalized world. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of transnational networks in influencing policy by highlighting the insufficiencies of lobby firms, outlining the characteristics of social movements that make them effective, and illustrating the application of these tactics in specific campaigns. Ultimately, it is in these informal movements that the demands of the general public will be heard. The paper focuses on Canada's experience.

From the Paper
"Ultimately, in a world increasingly dominated by multinational corporations, the future of public interests lies in the methods of grassroots organizations. Lobby firms have become ineffective in representing interests of the public, as they are now puppets of the big business interests who hire them. Likewise, governments have ceased to become the focus of policy change, as they too, have subordinated themselves to the interests of multinational corporations. Thus, it is in the flexible and adaptive structures of grassroots lobbying that Canadian voices and interests will be heard in the global arena. The reality that the strength of corporations in this arena is indubitable; yet, it is in the mobilization of collective action from grassroots organizations that will keep these corporations in check and ensure global social justice."

Tags:gatt, greenpeace, mai, movements, multinational, shell, social, wto

Abstract
This paper argues that the taxation policies of the Liberal and Progressive Conservative Parties in Canada have shifted further to the right.

From the Paper
The Conservative Party maintains its conservative beginnings. Its philosophy is oriented toward maintaining the status quo in so far as the nation of Canada and its institutions, programs, eliminating regionalism, building a stronger nation, and limiting government intrusion into the private lives of Canadians.[i] There is little change in the Party's current platform. The Conservatives want to restore spending to the levels before the Liberals assumed power. The Conservatives have promulgated a new tax policy that calls for tax reduction

Tags:canadian, parties, political, tax, real, estate

Abstract
Canada is internationally recognized as a culturally diverse nation that emphasizes the concept of "The Mosaic." No other country in the world encompasses inhabitants from so many different backgrounds who exhibit strong loyalty towards Canada, while still preserving their cultural heritage. This is contrasted to the American ideal of the "Melting Pot," which attempts to shape all of their citizens into a set mold. Canada's philosophy is believed to be more effective and respectful than that which is possessed by our American neighbors. The following discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, and analyzes the impact of the structures on each country's society.

From the Paper
"Canada is world renown for being one of the most tolerant, welcoming, and democratic countries in the world - a dynamic mosaic of multiculturalism where people live and work together in harmony. Over the past 150 years, more than 14 million people have immigrated to Canada, with 16% of the 30 million citizens being first-generation immigrants. The Government of Canada is committed to a policy of diversity designed to preserve and enhance the multicultural heritage of Canadians, while striving to achieve equality in the economic, social, cultural and political aspects of Canada. In 1991, the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship conducted a survey, which revealed high levels of Canadian values and identity. Six out of ten interviewees portrayed a "deep emotional attachment to Canada" and 95% believe they can be proud of being a citizen and of their ancestry simultaneously. As a nation, Canada is continually becoming more diverse in its practices, which requires residents to expand their knowledge and appreciate other cultures."

Tags:americans, ancestry, canadian, citizen, country, culture, democratic, diversification, ethics, foreign, globalization, government, heritage, identity, canada